I Tried Fabletics and Here’s What Happened: Plus Size Fabletics Review

plus size fabletics review

So, you’re asking yourself, “Should I try Fabletics?” This plus size Fabletics review shares the pros, cons, and ins and outs of the Fabletics VIP programs.

What is Fabletics?

Fabletics is an activewear company started by Kate Hudson. It launched in 2013 with a mission to help people live their passion. Fabletics’ mission statement says, “At Fabletics, we create clothing that inspires you to stay active, whether that means competing in an iron(wo)man competition, sweating in the studio, or chasing after your kids.”

Based on the conversations I’ve had with early adopters, there were some issues with quality. Regular gym-goers didn’t feel it stood up to the standards of competitors like Lululemon. Flash forward six years and Fabletics is a size-inclusive brand with a reputation for high-quality activewear. I get their ads all the time on Facebook and Instagram, but it wasn’t until my mom (She’s not a regular mom. She’s a cool mom.) recommended it that I started to seriously consider it after years of putting items in my cart and then abandoning it. It was also the right time because as I start to work out more, I really needed more workout clothing to keep up with my schedule.

If you decide to try it out, I hope you’ll use MY LINK to join VIP.

How Fabletics Works

Updated December 2020: If you have researched Fabletics before, you’ve probably heard of their VIP program that gives you access to discounted prices for outfits. That catch is that you put in your payment information for recurring purchases. For $49.95 a month, you can get a new Fabletics activewear outfit each month. The monthly cost becomes a single “member credit”, which allows you to choose one 2-piece outfit. As of December 2020, Fabletics is doing weekly outfit releases instead of monthly–ensuring there’s always something new in your size.

The recurring cost of the Fabletics VIP membership is what deterred me from trying Fabletics for a long time, but secure in the knowledge that I can easily skip months and cancel any time before the 6th of each month, I decided to become a Fabletics VIP.

The thing that put me the most at ease and allowed me to try a new brand was their return or exchange policy. Fabletics tells you to put it to the test and sweat it out. If I don’t totally love the outfits (even after I workout), I have 30 days to return or exchange the clothing.

Fabletics FIT App

In 2020, Fabletics added a new perk to their VIP membership. Fabletics FIT is its brand new member perk with hundreds of fitness classes and meditations from top instructors around the U.S., expertly designed monthly programs. According to the listing in the App Store, classes include:

  • Yoga
  • HIIT
  • Strength
  • Cardio
  • Barre
  • Toning
  • Dance
  • Recovery
  • Pilates

Additionally, the App Store says, you can “access 150+ meditations led by top wellness and mindfulness experts across Sleep, Stress & Anxiety, Peace & Happiness, Focus and Personal Growth. Join the millions who have improved their sleep, stress levels and inner peace through guided meditations and breathing programs.” After 2020, we can all use a little of that, right?

Not only can it help you reach all your fitness goals, but you can also complete challenges to earn rewards and promotions, and so much more!

Use MY LINK to join Fabletics’ VIP program and get serious discounts on any size Fabletics gear!

My Plus Size Fabletics Review

Update as of May 2020: I have now been wearing Fabletics workout gear for more than a year now. I’ve owned everything from leggings to sports bras to dresses to bike shorts. I truly can’t get enough. The biker shorts have been so comfy in quarantine paired with the cropped black hoodie and great as the summer heats up. And my hoodie sweatshirt dress is perfect for running errands.

And of course, I wear my leggings and sports bras for workouts and they hold up. As a bonus, they’ve continued to expand their plus sizes so more of you can enjoy their clothes than ever before.

Generally speaking, Fabletics has special offers for new VIPs like 2 for $24 leggings, so head to their site and sign up to be VIP today!

Fabletics was running a deal this January where I was able to get $30 off plus a 50% discount off. It came down to getting two Fabletics outfits (2 sports bras and 2 leggings) for under $70–a screaming deal. I ordered the Clara Sports Bra [pictured above in a 1X] and the matching Power Lite Leggings [2X] as well as the Reflex set [pictured below in a 1X top and 2X bottom].

My Plus Size Fabletics Outfit #1

The tropical-print sports bra and capris [above] are made from the Power Lite material. Now, it’s important to note that Fabletics outfits come in a range of fabrics from Power Lite to Power Hold–all with different thicknesses and features. I tested out the Power Lite fabric (low compression and super lightweight) at a Saturday morning spin class.

This set held up to all the sweat and moved really well during all the sprints and jumps. Overall, I felt really comfortable in the set moving at a high intensity and then going to run some errands after. I feel like this set will be great during summer workouts because the material is so light and breathable.

I will say two things in terms of the fit. The sports bra did ride up slightly as I was moving. That is to say that the fabric below my bust (not the supportive and padded part) slid up a bit and more of my stomach was exposed than the photos convey. So if being exposed like this is an issue, you may not love it. On the same note, as a bootylicious woman, the coverage was great, but the waistband sits slightly lower in the back than it does in the front when I was sitting on the bike. It didn’t show my underwear line or anything like that, but just an FYI about fit.

My Plus Size Fabletics Outfit #2

The next outfit I tested out was the Reflex set. These pieces were made from the Power Hold material, basically the direct opposite of the Power Lite fabric. As Fabletics puts it, this fabric “hold you in.” The Salar Statement PowerHold® 7/8 are thicker and are similar to what you’d expect from a brand like Lululemon. I tested these on a Sunday errand run one day and then a spin class the next.

They were so cute for errands and they held up well to the high-intensity trip to Trader Joe’s. But more importantly, they held up even better in my morning spin classes. I loved how the compression fabric held everything in place.

This sports bra was much more supportive than the Clara Sports Bra. I imagine it’s a better option for bustier women. Plus, how cute is the back of this Fabletics sports bra? I love the details. The magenta leggings were not as high waisted as the tropical-print capris, but they still covered the parts I’m most self-conscience about.

One thing I will note about the Power Hold leggings: Being more of a compression material, they are tougher to squeeze into than the Power Lite leggings. If you’re between sizes, you’ll probably want to size up. What I liked about the tighter fit is: Once I finally shimmied into them and got them on where I wanted them, they didn’t budge. I never pulled at the waistline during spin, squats, lunges, leg raises or anything else. That sturdiness and security are what make the Reflex set my favorite outfit of the two.

But for now, my conclusion for this plus size Fabletics review is: Fabletics makes quality workout gear in cute colors and prints, plus they’re size inclusive.

Until my next Fabletics order, here goes nothing! P.S. For any Fabletics member, there are referral incentives. If you decide to try it out, I hope you’ll use MY LINK to join VIP or shop some of my favorite outfits using the links below:

Gabbi, known as @heregoesgabbi, lives and works in Reno, Nevada—but travels any chance she gets. She creates content focused on plus size fashion, body positivity, travel and her home state. She's traveled to nearly every U.S. state (only 4 to go) and been to 4 continents.

12 Comments

  1. I’ve always wondered how Fabletics sports bras worked, especially for us busty babes. It’s good to know there’s something out there with a little more hold.

    On another note, it had to be FREEZING when you took thee photos! You are brave! Lol!

    1. Haha, it was cold, and one older guy walking by asked me why I was wearing a swimsuit, lol.

      But it was worth it! And yeah, I definitely recommend the Reflex set if you’re bustier and doing high intensity workouts.

  2. When signing up for Fabletics VIP Membership, they make it clear that they will charge you $49.95 once a month and you always have the option to skip the month. But, when it comes time to skip that month, figuring out how to do so can be tricky.

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